Cranberry Sauce

Vaccinium macrocarpon (for cranberry base) Condiment, Fruit-based

Cranberry Sauce Condiment, Fruit-based

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment, Fruit-based

The Forktionary Angle

"The quintessential holiday side, offering a burst of tartness to rich meals."

Definition

A tangy, sweet-tart condiment made from cranberries, often served with poultry, especially at holiday meals.

Antioxidant Richness High (due to cranberries)
Average Shelf Life (opened) 1-2 weeks (refrigerated)
Peak Usage Nov-Dec (Thanksgiving/Christmas)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cranberry Sauce are:

Tart Sweet Fruity

Chef’s Secret

Leftover cranberry sauce can be blended into vinaigrettes for salads or swirled into yogurt/oatmeal for a morning boost.

Best Substitutes

Lingonberry Sauce

Ratio 1:1

Redcurrant Jelly

slightly sweeter
Ratio 1:1

Cherry Compote

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for whole berry sauce for texture or jellied for smoothness. Check sugar content for desired sweetness.

Recipes Using Cranberry Sauce

Low Protein Fruit Low Cholesterol Healthy

Apple Cranberry Salad

This vibrant Apple Cranberry Salad is a Thanksgiving staple that will steal the show! Bursting with tart cranberries, crisp apples, and a touch of sweetness, it's the perfect side dish to complement your holiday feast. Get ready for compliments – everyone will be asking for this recipe!

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Occasion Poultry Northeastern United States Main Ingredient

Awesome Turkey Sandwich

Transform leftover turkey into a sensational sandwich! This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, featuring a creamy cranberry-dill dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less Summer

Apple Cranberry Omelette

Transform your Thanksgiving cranberry sauce into a stunning breakfast! This Apple Cranberry Omelette is a festive and flavorful way to use up leftover cranberry sauce (especially our Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider, recipe #78078, or any whole berry variety). Inspired by a Bon Appetit classic (October 1985), this recipe originally called for lingonberries, but cranberries offer a delicious alternative. Fluffy eggs, sweet apples, and tart cranberries create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. A show-stopping brunch or a delightful weekend breakfast, this omelette is sure to impress!

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Pies Fruit Course Dietary

Apple Cranberry Crumb Pie

This award-winning Apple Cranberry Crumb Pie recipe has been a Thanksgiving staple for over 10 years! Its unique secret ingredient – a crushed fruit sauce (found near the poultry section!) – elevates this pie above all others. Featured in our local newspaper with a stunning photo, this recipe is a true family heirloom. Forget those Marie Calendar pies – this is the real deal! A perfectly spiced apple and cranberry filling, nestled in a buttery crust and topped with a crunchy crumb topping. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Beginner Cook Free Of Something 5 Ingredients Or Less Served Hot

Bbq Beef Brisket

Tender, juicy BBQ beef brisket, perfect for a crowd-pleasing feast! This slow-cooked masterpiece, inspired by Julie B.'s family recipe, boasts a sweet and savory flavor profile thanks to a unique cranberry-BBQ sauce. Served with dollar rolls for easy sandwich-making, this recipe is ideal for feeding 3-4 people per pound of brisket. Forget the oven hogging – we use it for the initial cook, then transfer to a slow cooker for effortless serving, freeing up your oven for delicious sides! (Gingersnap cookies are optional).

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Time To Make For Large Groups Course Occasion

Baked Brie Wedges

Elevate your holiday appetizers with these irresistible Baked Brie Wedges! Flaky puff pastry cradles creamy brie, baked to golden perfection and served with a tangy cranberry-lemon dipping sauce. This easy, elegant recipe is sure to impress your guests. Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.

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Course Equipment Dietary Weeknight

Acorn Squash Cranberry Orange Sauce

Delight your family with this irresistible slow cooker Acorn Squash Cranberry Orange Sauce! Perfectly sweet and tangy, this dish is surprisingly kid-friendly and pairs beautifully with roasted pork or pork chops. Imagine tender acorn squash bathed in a vibrant cranberry-orange sauce, bursting with autumnal flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a festive holiday gathering. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Meat 30 Minutes Or Less Turkey Main Ingredient

Apple Cheddar Turkey Burgers

Juicy turkey burgers get a sweet and savory twist with crisp apples and sharp cheddar cheese! This recipe elevates the classic turkey burger with a homemade cranberry mustard sauce for a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.

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Christmas 30 Minutes Or Less Holiday Event Thanksgiving

After The Holiday Scones Aka Cranberry Sauce Scones

Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful treat! These Cranberry Sauce Scones are bursting with the festive flavors of cranberry, orange, and pecans. A perfect way to use up leftover cranberry sauce and enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch the day after Thanksgiving (or any day!). Flaky, buttery scones with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze – pure holiday magic!

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